Helmet in the shape of a Civilian Hat

Cultureprobably Flemish

Dateabout 1650

Mediumsteel, brass, and iron with leather

Dimensions21.6 × 29.2 × 31.8 cm (8 1/2 × 11 1/2 × 12 1/2 in.), 3 lb 5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.1115

DescriptionThe helmet takes the form of the male civilian headgear of the time. One-piece skull resembles closely the blocked, slightly tapered hat crowns of moderate height. It is deeply embossed with broad flutes of triangular-section which converge on the flattish, rounded top. At the base of every alternate rib is a punched, small hole for lining-rivet now lost. Circular patination around these indicates that decorative rosettes were probably once fitted.

At rear of skull is large, escutcheon-like brass plume holder, secured by a pair of domed brass rivets. The holder is one large plate bossed vertically in tapered tubular form, and cut into irregularly trilobate side lugs. Riveted at basal sides of skull are rounded lugs of cheekpiece hinges. Cheekpieces shown in Andrade's catalogue were apparently preserved at the time of the Litchfield sale, but are now lost. They exist only as a single original lame of trapezoidal form on the left, and a pair of restored plates on the right side. The hinge-pin and the pivoted shank on the right are also later.

Basal edge of skull presents narrow, lip-like flange which is pierced over its length with punched sets of double holes, presumably for a sewn-in lining. Supported partly by this flange is near-circular, flat brim which is turned up on right side.

Brim opening overlaps skull, and is scalloped and cut out with a longitudinal slot on either side for the cheekpiece hinges. Outer edge of brim has strong, plain turn that is inwardly rolled over wire core. While the brim seems to be old, and to belong, the heavier localized pitting on the inner side at the left seems to be later and given an iodine stain.
Label TextThis distinctive piece imitates the style of contemporary civilian hats. It is believed to have come from the town hall at Oudenarde, now in Belgium, and may therefore have been worn by a civic guard. The side pieces originally extended to the chin, with a strap and buckler underneath to fasten the helmet in place.Provenance(Traditionally) from the Town Hall at Oudenarde (Belgium) Lampert collection (Oudenarde) Cyril Andrade, Ltd. (London) Edward Hubbard Litchfield (d. 1930) Purchased by the Armory at the Edward H. Litchfield sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries (NYC), on 5 December 1951, lot 124 (not ill.) Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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